Prison
System Seeking Public Input for Potential Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Columbus – On Friday, July
11, 2014, the Wardens of the Lebanon and Warren Correctional Institutions held a
community stakeholder meeting to discuss the potential use of Unmanned Aerial
Systems (UAS) at the two facilities located in Warren County. If approved
to proceed, a testing phase will begin in late August/early September with an
Aerostat, a tethered, helium device equipped with cameras and infrared
abilities.

“The safety of the
community and security of our prisons is our number one priority,” said Ohio
Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) Director Gary Mohr. “We
are conducting an operational assessment to determine if investing in this
technology will enhance existing security measures in place at these
facilities.”

UAS technology could add an
additional layer of security to help maintain the safety of the surrounding
community and the prisons by bolstering existing perimeter security, preventing
and detecting attempts of contraband entering the prison, and enhancing the
monitoring of inmates who are approved to work outside the secure perimeter of
the prison.

DRC will accept questions
and concerns from community stakeholders for a 30-day period, through August 9,
2014. DRC will evaluate any responses received for an additional 15-day
period prior to making the decision to begin a testing phase. Community
stakeholders can submit comments through email or by phone: